1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Sur La Table Va Bene Manual Pasta Maker. This device is designed to simplify the process of making fresh, homemade pasta. With proper care and use, your pasta maker will provide consistent results for various pasta types, including spaghetti, fettuccine, and lasagna sheets.
Please read this manual thoroughly before first use to ensure correct assembly, operation, and maintenance.
2. Included Components
Your Sur La Table Va Bene Manual Pasta Maker package includes the following items:
- Main Pasta Maker Unit: The primary body with integrated rollers for flattening dough and cutting attachments.
- Removable Handle: Used to operate the rollers.
- Table Clamp: Secures the pasta maker to a countertop or table.
Image: The main pasta maker unit, detachable handle, and sturdy clamp.
3. Setup and Assembly
Follow these steps to prepare your pasta maker for use:
- Unpack: Carefully remove all components from the packaging.
- Clean: Before first use, wipe the exterior of the pasta maker with a dry cloth. Do not wash the unit with water, as this can damage the internal mechanisms. Run a small piece of scrap dough through the rollers a few times to remove any manufacturing residue. Discard this dough.
- Secure the Unit: Place the pasta maker on a stable, flat countertop or table. Insert the table clamp into the designated hole on the underside of the pasta maker. Tighten the clamp screw until the unit is firmly secured to the surface. Ensure it does not wobble during operation.
- Insert Handle: Insert the removable handle into the roller opening on the side of the pasta maker. For cutting pasta, the handle will be moved to the cutting roller opening.
Image: The pasta maker clamped securely to a kitchen counter, ready for use.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1. Dough Preparation
Ensure your pasta dough is well-kneaded, firm, and not too sticky. Lightly dust the dough with flour to prevent sticking to the rollers. Divide the dough into manageable portions that are easy to feed through the machine.
4.2. Rolling Pasta Sheets
- Set Thickness: Adjust the thickness dial on the side of the pasta maker to the widest setting (typically '0' or '1').
- First Pass: Flatten a piece of dough slightly by hand and feed it through the rollers while turning the handle.
- Fold and Repeat: Fold the dough sheet in half or into thirds, dust lightly with flour, and pass it through the widest setting again. Repeat this process 5-6 times until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Gradually Thin: Reduce the thickness setting one notch at a time. Pass the dough sheet through each setting once, without folding, until you reach your desired thickness. For spaghetti and fettuccine, a thinner setting is usually preferred. For lasagna, a slightly thicker sheet may be suitable.
Image: A user feeding a sheet of pasta dough through the main rollers to achieve desired thickness.
4.3. Cutting Pasta
Once your pasta sheets are rolled to the desired thickness:
- Move Handle: Transfer the handle from the flattening rollers to the desired cutting roller attachment (e.g., spaghetti or fettuccine).
- Feed Sheet: Carefully feed one end of the pasta sheet into the cutting rollers while slowly turning the handle.
- Collect Pasta: As the pasta emerges, gently guide it and collect the cut strands. You may need to dust the cut pasta with semolina flour to prevent sticking before cooking or drying.
Image: The pasta maker actively cutting a sheet of dough into thin spaghetti strands.
5. Maintenance and Cleaning
Proper cleaning and maintenance will extend the life of your pasta maker:
- DO NOT WASH WITH WATER: The pasta maker is not dishwasher safe and should never be submerged in water or washed with running water. Water can cause rust and damage the internal gears.
- Clean Immediately: After each use, allow any residual dough to dry slightly on the rollers.
- Brush and Scrape: Use a small, stiff brush (like a pastry brush) or a wooden skewer to remove dried dough from the rollers and cutters.
- Wipe Exterior: Wipe the exterior of the machine with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
- Storage: Store the pasta maker in a dry place. The handle can be removed for compact storage.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dough sticks to rollers. | Dough is too wet or not floured enough. | Add more flour to the dough or dust the dough surface more generously. Ensure dough is firm. |
| Pasta sheets are tearing. | Dough is too dry, too thin too quickly, or not elastic enough. | Add a small amount of water to the dough. Gradually decrease thickness settings. Ensure dough is well-kneaded. |
| Uneven pasta sheets. | Dough was not folded and passed through the widest setting enough times. | Ensure dough is smooth and uniform before thinning. Fold and pass through the widest setting multiple times. |
| Handle is difficult to turn. | Dough is too thick for the current setting or machine needs cleaning. | Adjust to a wider thickness setting. Clean any dried dough from the rollers. |
7. Specifications
- Brand: Sur La Table
- Model: 143823.01
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Operation Mode: Manual
- Adjustable Thickness Settings: 9 settings (from 0 to 9)
- Minimum Sheet Thickness: 2 Millimeters
- Maximum Sheet Thickness: 150 Millimeters
- Included Components: Pasta Maker, Removable Handle, Table Clamp
- Care Instructions: Hand wash only (do not submerge in water)
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information or customer support, please refer to the product packaging or contact Sur La Table customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.
